Arun Jha, a 1981 batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, was born on August 15, 1958. He holds a graduate and postgraduate degree in Political Science. Throughout his career, he served in various capacities including District Collector, Deputy Secretary, Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary, Special Secretary, Chief Vigilance Officer, and Additional Finance Commissioner. He also held multiple director and secretary-level positions. His most recent role was Secretary of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department from February 1, 2016, to August 31, 2018. Arun Jha is now retired from the Indian Administrative Service.